The Battle of Leuctra in 371 BCE gave Thebes a decisive victory over Sparta and established Thebes as the most powerful city-state in Greece. The victory was achieved through the daring and brilliant pre-meditated tactics of the Theban general Epaminondas who smashed the Spartan hoplites and put to rest the myth of invincibility that Sparta had enjoyed for centuries.
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Definition
Timeline
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c. 650 BCE - c. 350 BCEHoplites are the major protagonists in Greek land warfare.
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371 BCEThebes, led by Epaminondas, defeats Sparta in the Battle of Leuctra.
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364 BCETheban general Pelopidas is victorious but killed at the Battle of Kynoskephalai.
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362 BCEIndecisive Battle of Matinea where Thebes fought against Sparta and Athens. Theban general Epaminondas is killed.
